What are the available channels in apartment locating and their advantages and disadvantages?

Channels Advantages Disadvantages
Public media (newspaper, internet) Much information and easy to obtain, cost-saving Possibility of being cheated, not easy to understand Chinese for a foreigner, over-flooded with useless information, time-consuming
Chinese friends Reliable and familiar with the local market, cost-saving Limited information and less alternatives, time-consuming
Foreigner friends Have similar experience and know exactly what you want You can ask them for suggestions. Unfamiliar with the local market, time-consuming
Agent Provision of assistance on negotiation on terms of lease contract, act as coordinator between foreigner and local landlord, sufficient alternatives, fast, Possibility of being cheat, need to pay professional fee.